Warriors commit another player to UAF

August 27, 2013, West Kelowna, BC (ISN) – Less than a week into training camp, the Warriors are laying the groundwork for the future. The first NCAA commitment of the 2013-14 season came on Monday, when Ambrose Firkus announced his intention to play for the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

The second-year forward turned heads last year, when he put up 20 points in 31 games as a rookie, adding another 9 points and providing a dangerous offensive threat in the post-season.

The native of Irma, Alberta will join the Nanooks for the 2014-15 season.

“I’ve been talking to Dallas [Ferguson] for a few years now – he knows my strengths and he knows my weaknesses” Firkus says. “He’s just going to put me in there and let me do my thing. He’s not going to try and change me too much.”

Firkus also says he’s been hearing positive things from former West Kelowna teammates Shawn Hochhausen and Marcus Basara, both of whom have just arrived in Fairbanks for their freshman season of Div. I hockey.

“We’d like congratulate Ambrose and his family on this accomplishment” says Warriors head Coach /GM Rylan Ferster, adding “He’s an outstanding young player.”

Firkus and his Warriors teammates also continued to prepare for the upcoming season on Monday, with a visit to Penticton.

After a dramatic 3-3 tie at Royal LePage Place on Sunday, the Warriors were unable to solve new Vees netminder Olivier Mantha, who made 22 saves leading Penticton to a 2-0 shutout victory.

Cody Porter played the first half of the game in goal for West Kelowna and was solid. Steven Myland allowed both Vees tallies in the second half of the contest.

“I liked the way we played” the soon-to-be 16 year-old Cody Porter insists. “Obviously last night we blew that lead late, but tonight I felt better.”

The tuneup game also featured a dose of the animosity the West Kelowna / Penticton rivalry has featured in recent years.

Veteran Devon Hascarl’s ferocious fight with Vee Anthony Conti was the highlight of another physical affair between the clubs.

Firkus, who was ejected for his role in one of the melees, knows every matchup between last year’s Interior Conference finalists will be hard-fought.

“It’s a battle and it will be all year” Firkus nods, adding “We’re looking forward to it.”

The Warriors conclude their exhibition schedule with a home-and-home set against the Vipers next weekend. The Tribe visit Vernon on Friday before returning home on Saturday (Aug. 31).

Visit The General’s Report for the official blog of the West Kelowna Warriors.

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